Caterpillar Days with Painted Ladies

It’s time once again to choose a painted lady. As in a caterpillar. As in joining in Kidspace’s annual Caterpillar Days, which culminates in a Grand Butterfly Release.

From April 3 to May 22, Painted Lady caterpillars are available in Kidspace’s Busy Bee Learning store (while supplies last, on a weekly basis).

Folks are asked to call one week ahead of time if purchasing 40+ caterpillars—enough to create one’s own “grand butterfly release,” we imagine.

The Grand Butterfly Release is held May 21 and 22. The butterflies are released into the Arroyo Adventure Gardens and event activities include drinking nectar like a butterfly, interactive metamorphosis shows, making wings and antennae to wear, and live music.

For $4, one may purchase a caterpillar along with food and a care guide—or $18 for a cup of 5 caterpillars.